The biggest problems with the service for riders (well, at least 20 of
those surveyed) seems to be inconsistent enforcement—something that has
been an issue since day one—with
passengers complaining of being issued summonses after being unable to
buy a ticket from a broken street machine. For example:

The headline is right: TriMet does need new, strong
leadership (TriMet needs strong leadership, new vigor, March 1). The
problem is the governor will never, ever make it happen.

We need a board of directors that isn't a lapdog to
the general manager, who supposedly works for the board. We need a
board that actually represents the public, that works for the public and
most importantly, acts in the public's interest.

Mass transit exists as much for providing transportation as it does for making a city more green or promoting business growth.

I found it disturbing that your Feb. 16 cover
story, "Rail fight hits the gas," failed to mention a significant reason
for opposition to new light rails: In the face of yearly cuts in
service and fare increases, TriMet cannot afford to build light rails
AND offer the same level of service to its riders.

Below is the original letter sent to the paper, they edited is so this is the unedited original version:

My name is Steve Harrison and I have been an employee at Tri Met and an ATU 757 member for close to 30 years.
I want to give you a face and name, not just known as an employee or union member. It seems only Tri Met's story is getting out.